Obama and Kerry and Iran

The Obamacare burger

Nobody knows what’s in it, and it costs in the trillions. Mr. Bartley’s is a burger joint near the Harvard University campus, Barack Obama’s alma mater.

“The light of faith” by Pope Francis

I was sent Pope Francis' "The light of faith" (Lumen Fidei) Ignatius Press, 2013, this summer to review. I pick it up occasionally and think, I really need to get into this. But I've found it not terribly readable--but then it's the first encyclical I've ever read. Beginning Oct. 2012, it was the year of faith for Roman Catholics. Pope Benedict had already written on charity and hope (Deus Caritas Est (2005) and Spe Salvi (2007) , and this was outlined as part of that trilogy, when he resigned in February. Francis calls it a work of 4 hands, and that it is, with Benedict's scholarly references to giants of the past, and Francis' sweetness in reaching out to the ordinary person in faith. I'll continue to dip in--and it's a small book about 5 x 7 with 110 pages. It still feels a little like an outline, but both of these great men know far more on the subject than I do, so it won't be wasted effort. I’ll keep working at it.

Pope Benedict “had almost completed a first draft of an encyclical on faith” before his retirement in February 2013, Pope Francis writes, adding that “I have taken up his fine work and added a few contributions of my own.”

Commentators are likely to differ in attributing specific passages, but the document clearly recalls the writings of Benedict XVI in its extensive treatment of the dialogue between faith and reason and its many citations of St Augustine, not to mention references to Friedrich Nietzsche and Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

On other hand, warnings of the dangers of idolatry, Gnosticism and Pharisaism, a closing prayer to Mary as the “perfect icon of faith”, and an entire section on the relevance of faith to earthly justice and peace echo themes that Pope Francis has already made signatures of his young pontificate.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2013/07/05/lumen-fidei-an-overview-of-pope-franciss-first-encyclical/

Yet another new law you need to know about

The U.S. government has just passed a new law called: "The Affordable Turkey Act..." declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a Turkey this Thanksgiving, no later than Thanksgiving itself, Thursday, November 28th, 2013. These "affordable" turkeys will cost an average of $430 -$545 each. This does not include stuffing, cooking pots, meat thermometers, hunting fees, feather plucking fees, a stove or other device used to cook it in, meat cutters, “removal of innards” fees, labor costs resulting from losses caused by passing out after eating yourself sick of turkey [i.e. 1lb dark meat = appx. 2 lbs white meat in estimated labor losses felt by your employer].

This law has been passed, because until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase turkeys during Thanksgiving. This new law ensures that every American can now have an "affordable" turkey of his or her own, because everyone is "entitled" to a turkey during Thanksgiving. If you purchase your turkey before Thanksgiving, you will receive 4 "free" pilgrim vests; not including frequent dry-cleaning fees.

In order to make sure everyone purchases an affordable turkey, the costs of buying a Thanksgiving turkey will increase on average of 250-400% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want, still can’t afford, or haven’t enough space in their stomachs or people in their home to eat it all. But to be fair, people who can't afford to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving will be regularly fined and children (under the age of 26) can just eat their parent’s turkey until they turn 27; then they must purchase their own turkey for Thanksgiving. If you already have a turkey, you can keep yours (just kidding; no you can't). If you don't want or don't need turkey this Thanksgiving, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or can't afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one, or face imprisonment. Failure to eat the turkey this Thanksgiving will also result in fines. People living on the beachfronts; ghettos; inner cities or areas with no access to grocery stores or hunting grounds are not exempt. Meat allergies, veganism/vegetarianism, PETA advocates, lack of knowledge nor desire to cook your turkey are unacceptable excuses for not eating your turkey this Thanksgiving.

A government review board (that doesn't know the difference between the turkey, duck, and bacon in a turducken will decide everything, including; when, where, how often and for what purposes you can eat your turkey, to include how many people you can share your Thanksgiving turkey with and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to eat turkey. They will also decide if your turkey is acceptable to FDA or USDA standards or if you must purchase specific seasonings, condiments, recipes or other additions, (like a government issue can of cranberry sauce estimated at $25.00) or a newer and more fresh turkey. Those who can afford turduckens will be required to do so...it's only fair.

The government will also change the name of the “wishbone” to the “hopebone” as they will be determining the full extent of your fortune in the event that you snap off the larger half of said bone. Failure to comply with these rules – such as continuing to call it a “wishbone” – will also result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a Thanksgiving turkey, they and their families can obtain turkeys for free, at the expense of taxpayers. Unions, bankers and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt. If the government can force you to buy health insurance, they can force you to buy a Thanksgiving turkey....or ANYTHING else.. It really is that simple.

By: Constitutional Watchmen

The Thanksgiving Day Store Opening flap

Oh the outrage that some major retailers will be open on Thanksgiving Day!  Many single and foreign born employees like the extra hours, and the people I know who work retail "bid" for their hours. Also, why are we concerned only about retail when restaurants, churches, hospitals are open and people are working, as are police, fire and utility workers, transportation (air, rail, ship) gas stations, movies and quick stop places? I don't plan to shop on Thursday, and certainly not on Friday. But it's a choice.

Retail stores are in a tight spot--for some retailers the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is 20-40% of sales, and the dollar spent at Walmart isn't spent at Sears or Kohls, so most try to compete. Our gifts are so modest, it will make no difference if they are open around the clock. Retail stores are also competing with internet shopping, open 24/7. Stores with fewer sales have to charge more for each item--it's called profit margin, and for department stores it's about 3%, and less for specialty stores.

If you want to shop that store or see those movies the rest of the year, please allow them to do what they need to do to make a profit at Christmas and don't call them greedy. Retailers are not government agencies paid for with tax dollars or non-profits with tax breaks.  Profit is why they are there.

Many early settlers and conservative Christian groups did not celebrate Christmas at all because of its pagan origins and the drunken revelry that accompanied the holiday. My mother was born in 1912, and her family didn't exchange presents or celebrate. You have the choice—don’t’ shop on Thanksgiving if you want to spend the day with family and do limit your purchases so you can have a non-materialistic and spiritual holiday.

It’s still fun . . .

God didn’t answer Joe Biden’s prayer in 2005

Another way Obamacare will hurt your local economy

It isn’t just that employers won’t invest in expansion in order to avoid adding new employees, or that investors are waiting to see what happens, but the extra money needed to pay insurance premiums won’t be going to the restaurant, the hair dresser, the clothing store, the manicurist, the cable company, etc.  Kate Joy of Sonoma, California has to come up with about $790 more a month to cover the increase in her health insurance, which had been $499 (it had been less until California began requiring birth control for all) and has increased 150%.  Here’s her list of cuts. That’s mostly money that won’t be supporting businesses, workers, and taxes in Sonoma.

• Stop paying the extra payment on my mortgage: $100/month
• Stop eating out: $150/month
• Don’t go to the movies: $36/month
• Switch to getting a haircut every other month: $15/month
• Stop getting manicures: $40/month
• Stop monthly charitable donations to Wounded Warrior and Habitat for Humanity: $70/month
• Stop saving for an annual anniversary getaway: $60/month
• No Christmas gifts to extended family: $40/month
• Quit buying beef at the grocery store: $100/month
• Teeth cleaning only once per year: $30/month
• Cancel all magazine/newspaper subscriptions: at least $30/month
• Cut DISH service to cheaper plan: $50/month
• Cancel land line phone service: $70/month

Complete article here.

The article was about financial advice found in famous fiction

This was one of the comments on the article.

The greatest book of fiction has yet to be written.  That's only because its voluminous pages are still being made every single day, and appears will continue to do so daily for at least the next several years. 

In years forth, those historians whom are laboriously working to author the greatest book of fiction ever compiled from one man's public statements, will simply title the book:

"Campaign Promises and Other Guarantees Made By Barack Obama"

Denise Cantu

Today he would probably be considered a Tea Party President

Abort a disabled baby?

One of my proudest moments—guest blogger Milton

One of the proudest moments of my life was walking into the voting booth, twice, and not voting for Barack Obama. You see, unlike so many other blacks, I take my faith and the welfare of my family and country seriously.. Unlike most blacks... who put race above all else, I try to live by the words of Dr. King. I choose to judge people not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. With these established priorities in my life I proudly and willingly voted for a person who reflected my values.

Today we are witnessing perhaps the most blatant and concerted destruction of our Republic by people who lack virtue, decency and certainly a love of country. As Democrats led by Reid, Pelosi and Obama rape and pillage our country bringing it to a third world status, while I pray and work hard to prevent this from happening, if America does go in this direction I take some solace in the fact that I will be able to look my grandchildren in the eyes and tell them that for them and the nation, grandpa stood on the correct side of history and remained true to my faith, values and that I fought the good fight.

Used with permission, from BQI Facebook (Black Quill and Ink).

What is offensive at the White House?

“In the Obama Administration, you can completely botch the Obamacare launch, run guns to Mexican drug gangs, let four people die in Benghazi on your watch, commit egregious transgressions against freedom of the press, and break the law by targeting political opposition with IRS, call for a race war against white people and still keep your job. But insult Valerie Jarrett in an anonymous tweet? Clean out your desk.”

Gay Patriot Blog

When Barack Obama did tell the truth--2001

“Politicians are said to speak the truth only by mistake. As his political career took off unexpectedly, Obama subsequently hid his views on redistribution, except in unguarded moments, such as “you didn’t build that” or “spreading the wealth around is good.” But on that day in 2001 in a Chicago public radio station, Obama candidly expounded his political and social philosophy as shaped by his critical-legal studies professors at Harvard and his experience as a community organizer in Chicago.

The 2001 “Obama Raw” interview remains the one definitive Obama soliloquy on the Constitution, redistribution, and economic justice.”

Radio audio here.

Forbes article here.

Lack of insurance doesn’t make people sick

There may be an insurance gap, gender gap or access gap for the mentally ill, but that isn't what made them ill. There may be some people who need cholesterol or high blood pressure medicine and don't get it because they bought groceries instead, but that's not what caused their high cholesterol. There may be men going to bath houses who don't know there is a drug out there for the disease they are about to plant inside the anus or mouth of another man, but it isn't ignorance or poverty that is causing their behavior.

Only capitalism can lift the masses out of poverty in developing countries

“Outside of the financial sectors in the United States and Europe, capitalism is more prominent than ever. Country after country is reducing the scale of its public enterprises and expanding the scope of the private sector. For the first time in almost 70 years, Mexico has opened it oil and other energy sectors to greater participation by private firms. The new leaders of China have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of public enterprises, and have called for greater participation by private firms in many sectors, including financial markets.

The formerly mainly socialist government of the very poor nation Rwanda has been encouraging private companies to increase its role in the limited landlocked Rwanda economy. India is trying to reduce its many labor market and other regulations so that direct foreign investments will increase in India, and its own private firms will expand their activities. On the other side of the ledger, nations like Venezuela that has conducted a war on the private sector has seen poverty grow and its economy stagnate.

The reason behind these pro-capitalist activities is that more and more countries have realized that despite is many flaws, capitalism is the only system yet devised that brings hope of lifting the masses out of poverty and creating a robust middle class. Most people realize this, and have prevented political leaders from using the reaction against capitalism brought on by the financial crisis to try to radically transform a system that has brought so much wealth and health to the peoples of the world.”

Becker-Posner blog

The cost of college today compared to “my-day”

2013-14 Tuition, Fees, and Housing Costs for Manchester University (college) where I attended in 1957-58 for about $1,000.  

Tuition: $27,000; Fees: $920; Room: $5,500; Board: $3,750 (Full meal plan);  Total Direct Costs: $37,170 (about $39,000 if a different dorm and food plan is selected); add books, travel, personal items.

So why is college over 4x (adjusted for inflation) more than when I went?

• there were no government loans and few scholarships in 1957
• there were minimal amenities in 1957--no natatorium, no rec center, no plush dormitories--our entire dorm shared one phone
• there are many more regulations and mandates from the government in 2013 to add to costs
•   there are more costly scientific and technology equipment affecting everything from library to ordering food to tracking admissions in 2013
• there were stiffer entrance requirements in 1957 and many students in 2013 shouldn’t be in college.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324549004579068992834736138

http://www.becker-posner-blog.com/2013/10/why-does-college-cost-so-much-posner.html

“The curved glass wall of Haist Commons, a dining room and gathering space, is the most prominent addition to the building. Large open areas, balcony overlooks, and extensive use of exterior and interior glass walls help create bright, inviting spaces, connecting activity areas visually and providing views of the campus. The renovation brought the campus bookstore back into the union, allowing for combined staffing with the mailroom. The bookstore also shares a double sided fireplace with The Oaks Lounge.”

This student union was built in 1963; there wasn’t one in 1957. Even small church schools have to be competitive with amenities.

Always. It’s always about him.

Obama is twice as large as JFK in this official photograph.

• Gutsy call: President Obama disgracefully honors himself in speech, campaigns on Memorial Day
• All the president’s ego: conservatives mock Obama’s insertion of his name into other presidential bios
• Narcissist in chief: Obama honors Neil Armstrong with picture of himself
• President Obama marks end of combat operations in Iraq with another portrait of himself
• All about him: Obama’s birthday tweet to Biden is a pic of himself
• Narcissist in chief: President Obama honors Rosa Parks anniversary with picture of himself
• Disgrace: President Obama commemorates Pearl Harbor attack with photo of himself
• Narcissist in chief: Obama maintains laser-like focus on himself at Inouye memorial
• Obama’s narcissism during Inouye service even noted by Slate; White House posts Inouye photo starring Obama

Link to the links

Statistics run wild

Socialized or single payer health insurance will not change some health problems that are unique to the United States, says N. Gregory Mankiw in the New York Times.

For some clarity about life expectancy and health care let's look at research before Obamacare became the lightning rod. The murder rate, particularly among young black men, the obesity rate and lifestyle choices, traffic accidents, and our high immigration rates that include people with poor health, might indicate social patterns that need addressing, but they are not functions of the health care system.

Unfortunately, this bit of advice on health insurance was ignored. “Any reform should carefully focus on this group to avoid disrupting the vast majority for whom the system is working. We do not nationalize an industry simply because a small percentage of the work force is unemployed. Similarly, we should be wary of sweeping reforms of our health system if they are motivated by the fact that a small percentage of the population is uninsured.”

http://www.becker-posner-blog.com/2009/06/health-care-becker.html

"A study published in Lancet Oncology in 2007 calculates cancer survival rates for both men and women in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union as a whole. The study claims that the most important determinants of cancer survival are early diagnosis, early treatment, and access to the best drugs, and that the United States does very well on all three criteria. Early diagnosis helps survival, but it may also distort the comparisons of five or even ten-year survival rates. In any case, the calculated five-year survival rates are much better in the US: they are about 65% for both men and women, while they are much lower in the other countries, especially for men. These apparent advantages in cancer survival rates are large enough to be worth a lot to persons having access to the American health system. Several measures of the quality of life also favor the US. For example, hip and knee replacements, and cataract surgery, are far more readily available in the US than in Europe. The cancer survival and quality of life advantages enjoyed by US residents indicates that Americans get something for the large amount they spend on health care, but they do not indicate that the bang for the health buck is greater in the US, or even that the US health delivery system is reasonably efficient."

Obama’s insurance fix